Flesh vs. Spirit: Galatians 5

According to Paul, a battle rages between the flesh and the Spirit. In the original Greek the word “flesh” is sarx; the word Spirit is pneuma and it refers to God’s Holy Spirit.

The word “flesh” is the most commonly used word to translate sarx. It is used in the NIV, NRSV, ESV, HCSB and NET Bible.

However, the word “flesh” is not commonly used in English today. When used it basically refers to a physical body or even meat. But Paul used the word sarx in a different way. For that reason the following versions use another translation for sarx:

• selfishness or selfish desires (CEB)
• our desires (CEV)
• corrupt nature (GW)
• human nature (GNT)
• sinful nature (NLT)

So how should we understand sarx?

Sarx and Pneuma in Galatians 5

Paul’s elaboration of sarx and pneuma is found in Galatians 5:13-26. Here are a few highlights from that passage:

• The acts of the sarx are:

1.) sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, drunkenness, orgies

2.) idolatry and witchcraft

3.) hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy

• I think we can use the following labels for the acts of the sarx:

1.) wild-party behavior,

2.) false religion and spirituality,

3.) selfish attitudes and actions that destroy relationships (notice that this group is the largest of the three).

• After thinking about the acts of the sarx and realizing that many, if not all, of them are selfish, me-first attitudes and actions, I see the value in primarily understanding sarx as selfishness. Plus selfishness is a word we use and immediately understand.

• The desires of the sarx and the desires of the Spirit are in conflict with each other.

• The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

• Several of the items on the fruit of the Spirit list can only be expressed toward others: love, peace, forbearance, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness.

• In light of the social aspect of many acts of the flesh and fruits of the Spirit, we can use a simple question to know whether we are walking in the Spirit or the flesh. How are our relationships? I know relationships are two-way streets, but as far as it depends on us, how are we doing relating with others? The sarx will lead us to fight and divide with others (e.x. hatred, discord, jealousy, dissensions, factions), but the Spirit will lead us to be united with others by showing forbearance, faithfulness, gentleness, and love.

• But what should we do with the sarx—those desires that are opposed to unity with God and unity with others? Paul says that we should put it to death by the Spirit (Rom. 8:13) and he says that if we belong to Christ Jesus we “have crucified the sarx with its passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24). The sarx (our selfishness), cannot be educated or rehabilitated. It must die. And if we live by the Spirit, it will die, because the Spirit’s desires are in direct conflict with our selfish, self-centered attitudes and actions.

Les Bridgeman

After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. My latest book focuses on Paul’s work as a tentmaker and what it means for today.